Mudtools
Potclays are authorised importers of Mudtools, a range of exceptional clay tools, across the United Kingdom and Ireland. Made by Michael Sherrill in Bat Cave, North Carolina, this tool range includes shredders, sponges, polymer ribs and stainless ribs, wires, and tools like paddles. World-renowned for their innovation, performance, and ergonomic design, Mudtools have been refined through years of studio use and feedback - finding use in throwing, trimming, carving and even finishing. When Mudtools was founded, these new tools quickly became indispensable among the toolkits of potters across the world. Enhance your creativity at the wheel with these exceptional pottery tools.
Mudtools for Shaping and Refining
Each Mudtool has been thoughtfully created with potters of every skill level in mind. Often featuring distinctly bright designs, these are easy to find in busy professional studios and cluttered home workshops, and durable enough for use by students, hobbyists, and professionals alike.
Mudtools polymer ribs are perfect for offering the ability to press, stretch and sculpt the surface of clay work, while stainless steel ribs offer rigid precision for defining, trimming, and scraping. You can find a range of sizes, including large bowl ribs and small bowl ribs, among the range.
Mudtools for Texture and Surface Manipulation
For adding texture and manipulating clay surfaces, mudshredders are an ideal choice. These carving tools act like graters, allowing you to carve away at leather-hard clay quickly and cleanly.
Mudwires are available in standard, curly, and heavy-duty options and find a home in cutting thrown pots from wheels, slicing through slabs of clay, and creating uniform sections. Both products are built to be ergonomic and durable, and are built to withstand daily use while retaining high performance quality.
Mudtools for Finishing
Mudsponges are synthetic, ultra-absorbent sponges perfect for cleaning or smoothing clay surfaces without becoming oversaturated. Ideal for assisting with handbuilding, wheel throwing, clean-up, and gently adjusting, these sponges maintain their shape to deliver consistent results again and again.
There are also tools like the bulls tongue, which can be used to alter and move clay pots, compress seams, and create distinctive impressions in the project.
A Comment from Mudtools Creator, Michael Sherill:
"During my years of working in clay, making pots and art, I have often had ideas that required working outside 'normal' processes. I found that the available ‘clay tools' did not serve my ideas well. So, out of necessity I would make a tool, or modify an existing one to suit my needs. These new tools quickly became indispensable and were always the first thing to come out of my toolbox. Naturally, I would show these off at a workshop, and as a result I found that people were interested in buying them! It didn’t take long to figure out that I couldn’t make a tool for each person that wanted one. I was going to need a little help, and that is how Mudtools was born. I started with the rib. I had already found a material that performed well and actually got better with use (it is self-polishing). With the material in mind, I designed six shapes that I think cover a lot of what hand builders and throwers need from a rib. Each rib shape is available in four hardnesses from very soft to very firm. You choose the shape and hardness that suits your clay and your working style. It is my goal to offer you a tool that has a high performance quality, is pleasing to the hand and eye, and that you find indispensable."
Why Choose Potclays?
As an authorised importer of Mudtools, we stock a wide selection of products to form a professional-grade toolkit for ceramics artists. From scoring tools, to drag tools and turning tools, there's something for any need or requirement in our Mudtools range.
If you need help finding the right tool for your projects, our friendly team are also on hand to help. Simply get in touch today for further advice.
